Polling Remains Peaceful In AJK Elections

MIRPUR (AJK) , (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point news - 21th july, 2016): Polling on 41 electoral Constituencies including 29 of AJK and 12 meant for Pakistan-based Jammu and Kashmir refugees remains peaceful and smooth.

According to Election Commissioner, a total of 2,674,586 registered voters including 1,228,930 male and 1,006,772 female in all 29 constituencies in all ten districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and a total of 438,884 registered voters including 2,54,817 male and 1,84,067 female in all 12 constituencies meant for Pakistan-based Jammu & Kashmir refugees, moved to their stipulated polling stations in their respective constituencies and exercised their right of franchise. A total of 5,429 polling stations comprising 8,008 booths were set up in all 41 constituencies including 29 in AJK and 12 of Pakistan-based Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate the voters to use their right of franchise.

These also include a total of 4,462 polling stations comprising a total of 6,270 polling booths in all 29 AJK electoral constituencies.

The registered voters produced the original computerized national identity card at the polling station at the time of exercising the right of vote. A total of 423 candidates including those belonging to various political parties as well as independent candidates are in the race to win the elections to 41 seats to be filled in the direct adult-franchise basis.

The entire elections process was directly supervised by Pakistan army and para military rangers and FC with the coordination of the local civil law enforcement institutions including AJK police as well as Punjab, KPK police to ensure the holding of the polls in absolutely, free, fair, peaceful and transparent manner. The constitutional term of incumbent AJK Legislative assembly is being expired on 24th July, 2016.

Under interim Act 1974, the interim constitution of AJK, it is mandatory to hold elections 60 days before the last date.